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Colds at a glance

Colds are caused by viruses (so antibiotics won’t help, unless you develop a secondary bacterial infection). Symptoms usually begin 2–3 days after infection with the virus and last from 2–14 days.

Common symptoms include:

Nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, and cough

Mild headache and/or body aches

Mild fatigue

Occasionally a slight fever

Self-care for a cold: Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Gargle with warm salt water if you have a sore throat. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not aspirin), decongestants, and cough suppressants (all available at the Cornell Health Pharmacy) may be used to help relieve symptoms. Antibiotics will not help because colds are caused by viruses. See our Caring for an Upper Respiratory Infection fact sheet (pdf) for more tips.

Flu (influenza) at a glance

The flu comes on harder and faster than a cold, with more severe and long-lasting symptoms that can make functioning difficult. The flu is always caused by a virus (so antibiotics won’t help, unless you develop a secondary bacterial infection).

Common symptoms include:

High fever, usually between 100° and 104° F (often begins to subside on the second or third day)

Self-care for the flu: To help your body fight the flu, rest in bed, and drink plenty of fluids. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not aspirin), decongestants, and cough suppressants (all available at the Cornell Health Pharmacy) may keep you more comfortable as you recover.

When to seek medical care: Most people recover from the flu at home without the need for medical care. However, sometimes influenza leads to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection, a sinus infection, or bronchitis. Less frequently, the flu may cause a more serious problem, such as pneumonia. People who are at higher risk of these flu-related complications may benefit from a prescription antiviral medication (such as Tamiflu® or Relenza®).

See our influenza fact sheet for more details about who is considered at higher risk for flu-related complications, and when to seek care. If you are concerned about your symptoms, please call us at 607-255-5155.

Sore throat at a glance

Most throat infections are caused by viruses (so antibiotics won’t help them), or by irritants such as allergies or cigarette smoke. However, some sore throats are caused by bacterial infection (see Strep Throat below).

Strep Throat only: usually accompanied by fever, and swollen lymph glands in the neck; typically does NOT produce a cough or a stuffy/runny nose (see below)

Self-care for a sore throat: When a sore throat is caused by a virus or irritation from the air, antibiotic treatment will not help. Rest, gargling with warm salt water, and over-the-counter medicines (available from the Cornell Health Pharmacy) can help you feel better.

When to seek medical care: Most sore throats will improve on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, you should seek medical care if you your sore throat is accompanied by a high fever, swollen glands in the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or if your symptoms are severe or last longer than 1-2 weeks.

Strep Throat: Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection that is responsible for about 10% to 15% of sore throats. The diagnosis of strep throat is confirmed by a throat culture or rapid-strep test. It is treated with antibiotics to lessen the symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness, as well as to reduce the risk of complications.